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Tastings & Events

Friday, December 15

Mike Carleton Pours grower Champagne!

5:00 PM
TO 7:00 PM

Just in time for the holidays, Mike Carleton from Transatlantic Bubbles pours our favorite Champagnes!

Featured Articles

Drinking Old Wine
Many of our favorite wines have been old bottles. While the great majority of wines are made to be consumed within a couple of years of their production, the relatively few wines that are intended to age can offer absolutely magical tasting experiences.
We are pleased to offer older wine

Decanting Wine
The following will GREATLY enhance your pleasure with a bottle of older wine. It may sound like a hassle, but it’s really not so bad, and well worth the trouble.
Basic Wine Decanting 101
There is nothing complicated or mysterious about this process; just follow these simple instruct

New from the Jura: Les Granges Paquenesses!Loreline Laborde is living the fantasy many city dwellers have during rush hour: fleeing the city to live a quiet life in harmony with nature. After completing her formal studies in viticulture, Loreline left the bustling city of Montpellier to make wine in the undulating foothills of Tourmont, a vi

New Arrivals from BordeauxWith the winter coming, what better than to drink beautiful full bodied red Bordeaux with hearty meals. Our new arrivals are exciting: all certified organic or biodynamic, these wines represent the true characteristics of traditional Bordeaux, offering vibrant minerality, great structure,&

10% Case Discount

Get 10% off the purchase price with every order of 12 bottles or more of still wine not already on sale. The savings add up!

Offsite Tastings*

Candela Prol, highly experienced certified wine educator and friend of the shop, is available for tastings and training for private and corporate events.
For rates and other inquiries, please contact her at
candelaprol@gmail.com
.

*Offsite events are contracted to and coordinated by a 3rd party, and are in no way affiliated with Chambers Street Wines.

Tastings & Events

Friday, December 15

Mike Carleton Pours grower Champagne!

5:00 PM
TO 7:00 PM

Just in time for the holidays, Mike Carleton from Transatlantic Bubbles pours our favorite Champagnes!

Featured Articles

Drinking Old Wine
Many of our favorite wines have been old bottles. While the great majority of wines are made to be consumed within a couple of years of their production, the relatively few wines that are intended to age can offer absolutely magical tasting experiences.
We are pleased to offer older wine

Decanting Wine
The following will GREATLY enhance your pleasure with a bottle of older wine. It may sound like a hassle, but it’s really not so bad, and well worth the trouble.
Basic Wine Decanting 101
There is nothing complicated or mysterious about this process; just follow these simple instruct

New from the Jura: Les Granges Paquenesses!Loreline Laborde is living the fantasy many city dwellers have during rush hour: fleeing the city to live a quiet life in harmony with nature. After completing her formal studies in viticulture, Loreline left the bustling city of Montpellier to make wine in the undulating foothills of Tourmont, a vi

New Arrivals from BordeauxWith the winter coming, what better than to drink beautiful full bodied red Bordeaux with hearty meals. Our new arrivals are exciting: all certified organic or biodynamic, these wines represent the true characteristics of traditional Bordeaux, offering vibrant minerality, great structure,&

Rosé Round II: Summer is Coming!?

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As the Northeast seems poised to emerge from the murky cool weather of the last few weeks, another crop of delicious naturally-made Rosés has arrived for your summer sipping pleasure. Fermented with wild yeasts and without the additives present in most rosés, these delicious wines have subtle, complex aromas and lovely fruit accompanied by firm acidity and mineral flavors on the palate, making them great food pairings for all your warm-weather dining and perfect for picnics and barbecues...

This rosé from Vacqueyras is a prime candidate for any summer grill and barbecue. Primarily Grenache (with 30% Cinsault), farmed without chemical products in the vineyard, hand harvested, and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Winemakers Martine and Christian Vache vinify half of the wine for their rosé in the saignée (bleeding) method, taking juice from red grapes after about 10 hours of maceration and fermenting this separately. The other half is a direct press of partially de-stemmed grapes. Once fermented, the two wines are blended and aged on the lees for 6 months before bottling. The result is a wine of a beautiful pale hue that provides kick and crispness, brambly fresh berry fruit, with peach and rose and a touch of spice. Super dry, and satisfyingly refreshing, it's perfect with salads and snacks, and has enough body to stand up to richer, tangier flavors and grilled meats. Eben Lillie

The Dauny Family has been farming vineyards in Sancerre since 1683, with Nicole and Christian Dauny being the 12th generation to make wine in this famed appellation. The vineyards were converted to organic agriculture in 1964 and the Daunys strive to work as naturally as possible in the vineyard as well as in the cellar. The rosé Pynoz comes from younger vines of Pinot Noir, and is quite a rich, full-bodied and textured expression of rosé. Dominated by red-fruit, strawberry, and under-ripe raspberry, there is a touch of herbaceousness and an underlying stony minerality that balances the wine. Oskar Kostecki

This is one of our favorite Rosés every year and the 2016 Cuvée de l'Aubigue is a sensational wine and a fabulous value! Made from Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Vermentino grown on soils of clay and schist near Hyères in Provence. Biodynamic farming, wild yeast fermentation. Lovely light salmon color. Subtle and complex aromas with yellow and red fruits, citrus confit, brown spice and floral notes. The palate is full, but balanced and very refreshing with red fruits, citrus, peach, spice and mango that continue on the long finish. A great apéritif and pairs with any light summer foods. DL

Domaine les Fouques has been has been certified Biodynamic (Demeter) for over 20 years, and also raises sheep, ducks, chickens and guinea-hens on their old-fashioned mixed-use farm. La Londe is their best rosé from old vines of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. Unlike the majority of Provencal rosés, it is made naturally with wild yeasts, giving a more subtle expression of fruit and terroir. The 2016 Rosé La Londe is a beautiful wine and a real rosé of terroir showing lovely pale pink color with subtle aromas of peach skin, raspberry, orange peel, spice and rose. The palate is light, balanced, dense and long with ripe cherry, peach, citrus, spice and saline mineral flavors. Drinking beautifully now, especially with a bit of aeration, it will improve over the next year or two and accompany an elegant ceviche, fish or chicken, salads and mild cheeses. Great sipped by itself as well, a delicious and "serious" rosé that is highly recommended!

This is a delightful rosé from our biodynamic friends, Isabelle Carle and Franck Pascal at le Jonc Blanc in Bergerac. 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Semillon. The wine shows intriguing aromas of cassis, raspberry, orange peel, rose and spice with lovely cassis, citrus and mineral flavors on the palate that coninue on the long silky finish. This is an unusually delicious rosé that will sell out quickly, only 20 cases for the US! This estate produces outstanding wines through meticulous biodynamic farming and careful low or zero sulfite vinifications - we urge you to try all their wines, each one is delicious and inexpensive.

A beautiful Bandol rosè, primarily Mourvedre with Cinsault and Grenache. The Mourvedre is pressed and run off directly, the Cinsault and Grenache undergo 24 hours of skin contact. Certified organic grapes from the Bronzo family vineyard in Le Castellet. This is a complex, perfectly balanced wine, a bit brighter than the 2015, with lovely aromas of raspberry, peach, blood orange, rose and spice. The palate is dense with cherry and raspberry fruit, citrus and stone flavors, ripe and full with bright balancing acidity with terrific density and length and a bit of ripe cherry in the finish. Delicious now - please decant or open 1 hour in advance - this will improve over the next few years. Perfect with grilled tuna, Salade Nicoise, pork and chicken, bouillabaisse, of course, and mild cheeses.

This Pinot Noir rosé is a blend of the saignée from villages and 1er cru fruit in Maranges, a straight pressing of Hautes Côtes de Beaune fruit, and pellicular maceration of fruit from Hautes Côtes de Beaune. Pale salmon in color and oh-so-fresh, the 2016 Sakura is a bit lighter than the very ripe 2015, with racy minerality, bright acidity, and vivid fruit. The nose combines fresh strawberry, cherry, and crushed herbs, while the refreshing palate features wild strawberry, savory minerality, and a lively, somewhat spicy finish. Try this perfect summer quaffer with marinated goat cheese, grilled chicken, or a salad made with heirloom tomatoes and fresh local greens. John McIlwain

Jean-Francois Deu makes beautiful wines on his biodynamic estate in Collioure, including this outstanding 2015 Rosé "Le Gourmand." The wine shows a pretty pink/orange color, with aromas of red currant and strawberry with hints of prune, orange peel, rose and spice. The palate is round and ripe with deep red currant and strawberry liqueur, but nicely balanced by firm acidity. Serve this full-bodied rosé with grilled chicken and pork or with an appetizer of olives, cheeses and charcuterie. Lovely wine! DL

From Pinot Noir grown on the limestone hills of Chavignol. Lovely very pale pink color, pretty aromas of red raspberry, tart strawberry, citrus and melon. The palate is very crisp and fresh with candied red fruits, citrus and stony acids that continue in the juicy and very mineral finish. This is one of the raciest rosés you can find, very elegant and refreshing - serve quite cool on a hot day with anything grilled, or just sip and enjoy....

(Last of stock) This delightful Chinon Rosé comes from Patrick Lambert's 6 hectares of organic vines in Cravant, around the corner from his friend Bernard Baudry. Hand harvested from 20 year-old vines on gravel and sandy clay soils over limestone. The wine shows lovely aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and rose; the palate is ripe and pretty with raspberry, citrus and stone flavors with nice density and texture, with juicy acids, berry flavors and minerals in the finish. This is drinking beautifully now and will keep nicely well into 2018. Only 120 cases made - it's a fabulous value and highly recommended. DL

Quentin Bourse took over a friend’s estate in Azay-le-Rideau after working with many producers in the Loire Valley (notably Domaine Huet in Vouvray) just in time for the 2013 vintage. The estate was already certified biodynamic which is quite rare in Azay, and covers 12 hectares on clay over silica. This rose is made from 100% Grolleau vinified with direct press to a combination of stainless steel and fiberglass tank, native yeast fermentation, and less than 20ppm total sulfur. And (thankfully) comes in a 1 Liter sized bottle. The return of the bull-dog label, for me, signals summer. This is a zippy rose, packed with invigorating tart raspberry, cranberry, and fresh cucumber flavors. Crisp, mineral and perfect for grilling on a hot evening! Amanda Bowman

Meryl and Geraldine Croizier make lovely natural wines on their 5 hectare organic estate in Valigneres, Ardeche. The "Les Fees Papillon" Rosé is made from 100% Syrah, fermented with wild yeasts and with minimal SO2 added. The wine is a very pale pink color showing subtle aromas of peach, rose and stone; the palate is very dry and mineral - a bit austere with hints of peach and raspberry, very earthy and dry. Serve this refreshing rosé with oysters (with vinaigrette), fried or broiled fish, vegetable quiche, Asian foods...

Chateau Cambon, directed by Marie Lapierre and Jean-Claude Chanudet, produces lovely natural wines. The 2016 Beaujolais Rosé is a pale pink color with elegant aromas of raspberry, peach skin and apricot. The palate is silky and pure with subtle red fruit and peach flavors with a hint of almond. Light and refreshing at 12% alcohol, this will accompany fish and chicken dishes, mild cheeses and charcuterie.

Philippe and Diane Cauvin consistently craft wines of balance and terroir in their small corner of the Fronton AOC just north of Toulouse in Southwest France. Made from direct pressing of 100% Negrette, a black-sknned grape grown in the AOC Fronton, north of Toulouse. The estate has organic certification (Ecocert), has been practicing biodynamic since 2006 and has low yielding vines on gravel/silica soils. Wild yeast fermentation, no chaptalization or acidification, and low sulfur, kept on the lees until bottling. The 2016 is as elegant as it is delicious. Dusty rose in the glass, the nose offers white flowers, river rocks, and lush strawberry. The palate has fleshy peach and strawberry fruit, with undercurrents of spice and thyme, and finishes with a nice snap of acidity on a lengthy finish. A complex rose at a fantastic value. Amanda Bowman

Costes is an old French term for hillsides or slopes, which is very fitting for this hillside vineyard located in Bergerac. The soil is a favorable combination of stone, sandy clay, and rolled gravel over limestone, that suits the primarily Cabernet Franc vines grown on the Domaine des Costes Estate. Nicole and Jean-Luc Dournel took over the estate in 1992, overseeing the vineyard through its organic certification and biodynamic practices. Made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this food friendly rose shows fresh red berries on the nose followed by wild strawberries, red currant, and a subtle, peppery finish on the palate. Serve chilled and enjoy with lighter meals all year!

100% Malbec (known in Cahors as Auxerrois). The vines are 40 years old, grown on clay and limestone soils at an elevation of 320m. The wine is a 50-50 blend: half free-run juice, half pressed. Fermentation and aging take place in small tanks."The Splendid Antidote to the Heat of the Causse" is the amusing and appropriate name of this refreshing rosé. (The Causse is the high limestone plateau around Cahors, which gets brutally hot in the summer.) The wine shows a pretty pink/orange color and subtle aromas of cassis, citrus and spice. There are creamy cassis, raspberry and citrus flavors on the palate with hints of orange peel, earth and brown spice that continue in the long finish. This is quite delicious and a great value - as are all the wines from Jean-Pierre and Julien Ilbert at Combel-la-Serre. DL

Saignée of Zweigelt macerated with Grüner Veltliner skins, native yeast fermentation in stainless steel. Aging occurs in a mix of stainless steel and used barrique, unfined, unfiltered, with no added sulfur. Dark rose in color with some viscosity in the glass; what looks to be a brooding, big rosé is actually incredibly vibrant. Very juicy on the attack with notes of red plum, cranberry, pomegranate, rhubarb compote, strawberry, and red grapefruit, sour cherry acidity with tannic structure and a long finish. An inspired pairing for all sorts of barbecued meats, cheese plates, burgers, salty snacks, or on its own. Cari Bernard

Zweigelt grown on loess over primary rock is hand-harvested, destemmed, and macerated for a few hours before being gently pressed. The must spontaneously ferments in stainless steel tanks and later ages in the same tanks sur lie. Ripe, red berry fruits (cherry, strawberry, raspberry) burst forth on the nose and palate, the wine is dry but fruity, and just juicy enough to be a fun pairing for roast chicken, charcuterie, or just about anything off a grill. Cari Bernard

Provence, eat your heart out. This pale, refreshing rose is 100% Listán Negro from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, grown at the bottom of painstakingly-tended hoyos (the local name for the craters dug into the crunchy, black topsoil that coated the island of Lanzarote following a series of volcanic eruptions that started in 1730). One vine is planted at the bottom of each hoyo, which protect the plant from Lanzarote's relentless trade winds, along with stone walls of volcanic rock rimming the hoyos to prevent the sandy soil from blowing onto the vines. (In reality, the walls are constantly blown down and rebuilt. This is high-maintenance viticulture!) Bermejos' visionary winemaker, Ignacio Valdera, produces crystal-clear expressions of this unique and mystical vinescape. The rosado is pale, dry, and refreshing, with flavors of salty citrus, grapefruit, cherry skins, blood orange, rhubarb, and brine, with ash, orange oil and grapefruit rind on the finish. Complex yet crowd-pleasing. Ariana Rolich

Sometimes when people live and breathe their vineyards and wines, the results are palpable. This is the case with Ismael Gozalo, a proud native of Rueda, gifted grower, and crafter of some of the region's finest and most serious Verdejo wines, first for Bodegas Ossian and now under the MicroBio label, which is a deliberate reference to both biological processes crucial to the character of the wines and the tiny scale of production. For his rosé, Tempranillo is pressed directly into stainless steel for fermentation and blended later with a bit of Verdejo. The result is vivid and pure, with fresh bright berry fruit, cherry blossom, crunchy rocks, balanced bright acidity and no added sulphur at any stage. We are excited to be able offer this rosé at a much lower price this year. Only one case remains for the year! Ariana Rolich

Invigorating, juicy, thirst-quenching rosado from Rioja, made from a 2 hectare parcel of 25 year-old Garnacha vines at 600 meters altitude, bursting with jubilant crushed wild berries, tangy pink grapefruit zest, and delicate rosey florals, with buoyant acidity and and salty minerality. A peppy aperitif, complex, and food friendly, Pecina will make a great house rose this spring and summer! Ariana Rolich

Viña Zorzal offers some seriously delicious wines from old vines for very little money (as fans of their delightful red Graciano can attest). This one honors the traditional wine of the Navarra region - rosado of Garnacha. The 2016 is lighter and fresher than ever, while retaining traditional deep hue and Garnacha spice! Fragrant red currant, raspberry, and pink peppercorn aromas lead to crunchy cranberry and strawberry fruit flavors, with zesty pink grapefruit and tropical and herbal undertones on the finish. The label features a popcorn kernel pattern because Xabi Sanz of Zorzal recommends it as an accompaniment to popcorn and a movie. We look forward to giving that pairing a try! Ariana Rolich

It is a treat to work with the wines of Quinta do Perdigao in the Dao, whose certified organic vineyards and sensitive winemaking shine across grape variety and vintage. Their profound white Encruzado and red Alfrocheiro are staples here, and the 2015 vintage of their exotic, age-worthy rose has just arrived. 40% Tinta Roriz, 35% Jaen, 15% Touriga Nacional, and 10% Alfrocheiro. Aromas of ripe raspberry, hibiscus, passion fruit, and oregano, with full-flavored, floral palate of wild cherry, spicy raspberry, red currants and rose, blood orange, and soft earth. Delicious all year round with grilled sausage, sushi, and complex, spicy fare. Ariana Rolich

I fell in love with the Bonavita estate originally through their indomitable red wine, which is delicate, spicy, and intense. It is continuously one of the most fascinating reds I’ve tasted from Sicily. Happily, the rosato holds as much allure while being even more accessible. Fairly deep ruby for its quick maceration of 12 hours, the nose is packed with rich red fruit, purple florals, notes of cardamom and allspice or cinnamon with an undeniable freshness and lift. The wine is effusive on the palate with fresh strawberries, ripe cherries, and red apple skin, a persistent spiciness, and just a whisper of ripe tannin quickly relieved by bracing acidity. I find the wine mesmerizing and stellar with all kinds of food. Andy Paynter

Montenidoli is a landmark estate in San Gimignano famous for producing some of the most characterful, organically farmed Vernaccia in the area. They also produce a wonderful rosato of 100% Canaiolo (a traditional blending partner for Sangiovese) that is always a treat on a hot summer day. The 2016 is a lovely bright peach hue with bright orchard fruit and wild flowers on the nose. The palate has a bit of a bite with notes of red apple skin and tart white peach but is lifted by crisp acidity and has a juicy, refreshing finish. Try it with light salads, chilled soups, soft cheese or enjoy on its own. Andy Paynter

Every year I feel drawn towards rosatos that are more deeply colored and have a bit more structure, built more for food than for quaffing. The rosato of G. B. Burlotto, a blend of Nebbiolo, Pelaverga, and Barbera, fits the bill particularly well. The nose is redolent of brambly berry fruit with red raspberries and strawberries, woody herbs, and violets. The palate is structured with noticeable but restrained tannin and crisp acidity showing more of a black pepper or spicy character and a mineral finish. This is definitely a wine for the table! Try it with grilled sausages and peppers, pork chops dressed with sage, roast chicken, or seared artichokes. Andy Paynter

Last year's Minimus rose was juicy and succulent Gamay. This year's Minimus rose is a brainy, bone-dry Pinot Gris from a hot, high vineyard in Willamette Valley, starting tense and angular, opening into a supple mix of citrus piths, watermelon, rosewater, blood orange, and papaya. Winemaker Chad Stock delights us so consistently with his experimental bottlings that we might start declaring Minimus inherently delightful. 100 cases of this rose were produced. Ariana Rolich

A 21st century rose made from very old vines of Mourvedre and Cinsault, blended with juicy Grenache and Vermentino, Birichino's 2016 Vin Gris is driven by savory, stony, salty (and even a hint smoky) dimensions, balanced by bright citrus, tangy stone fruits, and spicy florals. A highlight among the 2016 rose class and serious pairing for squid or grilled fish and invigorating aperitif. Ariana Rolich

Cameron and Marlen Porter are making some of the freshest, most fabulous and recognizably "natural" wines in America. And they don't show any signs of running out of inspiration: '"Pink Flag," our first ever Rosé was inspired equally by the band Wire, and the winery Clos Cibonne. From Wire, the wine takes its name (an homage to their first, groundbreaking album), but also its spirit: joyous, playful energy brushing up against an angular, spiky core. From Clos Cibonne, we take technique.' Pink Flag is 100% Counoise, partially raised under a thin flor of yeast (the aforementioned Clos Cibonne technique), which imparts creamy almond and buttery apple notes on the nose and taut, salty counterpoint to the silky palate of ripe, musky orchard fruit. A thought-provoking and textured rose, very delicious with fish stew (summer dreams of bouillabaise at Clos Cibonne!), grilled vegetable, cheeses, and poultry. Ariana Rolich